Butylated hydroxyanisole inhibits the growth of HeLa cervical cancer cells via caspase-dependent apoptosis and GSH depletion.

Abstract

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), a synthetic antioxidant is commonly used as a preservative in food and pharmaceutical agents. Despite the assumed low toxicity of BHA, it exerts a variety of effects on tissues and cell functions. In this study, the authors investigated the effects of BHA on the growth inhibition and death of HeLa cervical cancer cells. Dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth was observed with an IC(50) of approximately 150 μM BHA at 24 h. In addition, this agent-induced apoptosis, which was accompanied by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) and caspase activation. Caspase-3 and -8 inhibitors markedly rescued HeLa cells from BHA-induced cell death. In addition, BHA decreased intracellular ROS levels in HeLa cells whereas it increased O(2)(∙-) levels among ROS. The number of glutathione (GSH)-depleted cells was increased in 150 μM BHA-treated cells, which was attenuated by caspase inhibitors. In conclusion, BHA inhibited the growth of HeLa cells via caspase-dependent apoptosis, which seemed to be related to increase in GSH depletion and O(2)(∙-) level.

• Authors: Hwa Jin Moon, Woo Hyun Park
• Journal: Molecular and cellular biochemistry (Mol Cell Biochem) Vol. 349 Issue 1-2 Pg. 179-86 (Mar 2011) ISSN: 1573-4919 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 21113647 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Caspase Inhibitors
• Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors
• Reactive Oxygen Species
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole
• Caspases
• Glutathione

Topics

• Apoptosis (drug effects)
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (pharmacology)
• Caspase Inhibitors
• Caspases (metabolism)
• Cell Proliferation (drug effects)
• Cysteine Proteinase Inhibitors (pharmacology)
• Glutathione (metabolism)
• HeLa Cells
• Humans
• Reactive Oxygen Species (metabolism)